2003 BMW M3 vs. 1963 Rover P5
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Rover P5 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1963 Rover P5. (119 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1963 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Rover P5 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Rover P5. (218 Nm @ 2650 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Rover P5. 1963 Rover P5 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1963 Rover P5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M3 | P5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
